This large square in the prominent area of Mayfair, London has always had a strong American influence due to the fact that the area has been the home of the American Embassy since 1938 and still is today.

The original construction of the square was done in 1721 and was one of the most fashionable residential areas in London right up until the Second World War. Prior to the war it was the home of many of the leading aristocratic members of the local society.

The square has been the home of the original American Embassy from 1938 till 1960 and the new embassy from 1960 till present day. During the Second World War the square became popularly known as ‘Little America’ due to the fact that General Eisenhower’s quarters were located on one side while the Chancery was located on the other.

During the ‘Battle of Britain’ the lovely central garden of Grosvenor Square became the landing point and dock of a military blimp known as Romeo which was the first ever blimp to be manned by female officers.

Besides being the home of the American Embassy and serving as headquarters for the United States Army in Britain during the Second World War, the area also houses several other attractions that are related to the United States.
The Eisenhower Statue is dedicated to the man who was the Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces from January to March 1944. It is located just across the building where General Eisenhower stayed during his crucial posting.

The memorial involves an impressive figure of Franklin Roosevelt standing up high on a pedestal and is a testament at how well liked the American leader was amongst the British public. The memorial was funded through a souvenir brochure that was sold to the public. Organsed by the Pilgrims, a group dedicated to building the relationship between the United States and Great Britain, the required funds were collected in a mere six days from the announcement of the brochure on the radio by the Prime Minister at the time.

The Eagle Squadron Memorial is a tribute to all those American soldiers who volunteered to join the British Air Force. The memorial is a shaft made of white Portland stone that has a bronze eagle seated atop it and an inscription on its face that honours the bravery of these volunteers.

Visitors to the square can also enter the house of the first United States Minister to the Court of St. James and the 2nd President of the United States.  John Adams lived in this house for 2 years, and a plaque stands outside that provides a brief description about him and some of the events that took place in the house.

Visitors to the city of London should definitely visit this historic location. As a hotel in Grosvenor square, Millennium Hotel London Mayfair provides easy access to this historically rich destination as it is located nearby.